Hand image feedback method and system

ABSTRACT

An image generation method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing apparatus from a video recording device attached to a backside of a video monitor connected to the computing apparatus, a video data stream comprising a first video image of an input device connected to the computing apparatus and a second video image of a users hands enabling switches on the input device. An input device image associated with the input device is displayed. The computing apparatus super-imposes and displays a hand image associated with the user&#39;s hands over the input device image. The computing apparatus adjusts a brightness of the hand image such that the input device image is visible through the hand image.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and associated system forgenerating images of a user's hands on an input device using a videooverlay.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illustrating images typically comprises an inaccurate process withlittle flexibility. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art toovercome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations describedherein above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method comprising:

receiving, by a computing apparatus from a video recording deviceattached to a backside of a video monitor connected to said computingapparatus, a first video data stream, wherein said first video datastream comprises a first video image of an input device electricallyconnected to said computing apparatus and a second video image of ausers hands enabling switches on said input device;

displaying, by said computing apparatus via said video monitor, an inputdevice image associated with said input device, wherein said inputdevice image illustrates various switches being enabled, wherein saidinput device image is displayed within a specified portion of said videomonitor, and wherein said specified portion does not include an entireportion of said video monitor;

super-imposing, by said computing apparatus, a hand image associatedwith said users hands over said input device image;

displaying, by said computing apparatus via said video monitor, saidhand image associated with said users hands, wherein said hand image isdisplayed over said input device image, and wherein said hand image isdisplayed within said specified portion of said video monitor; and

adjusting, by said computing apparatus, a brightness of said hand imagesuch that said input device image is visible through said hand image.

The present invention provides a computing apparatus comprising aprocessor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unitcomprising instructions that when executed by the processor implementsan image generation method, said method comprising:

receiving, by said computing apparatus from a video recording deviceattached to a backside of a video monitor connected to said computingapparatus, a first video data stream, wherein said first video datastream comprises a first video image of an input device electricallyconnected to said computing apparatus and a second video image of ausers hands enabling switches on said input device;

displaying, by said computing apparatus via said video monitor, an inputdevice image associated with said input device, wherein said inputdevice image illustrates various switches being enabled, wherein saidinput device image is displayed within a specified portion of said videomonitor, and wherein said specified portion does not include an entireportion of said video monitor;

super-imposing, by said computing apparatus, a hand image associatedwith said users hands over said input device image;

displaying, by said computing apparatus via said video monitor, saidhand image associated with said users hands, wherein said hand image isdisplayed over said input device image, and wherein said hand image isdisplayed within said specified portion of said video monitor; and

adjusting, by said computing apparatus, a brightness of said hand imagesuch that said input device image is visible through said hand image.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of illustrating images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a computing apparatus comprising a movable displayunit and a recording device attached to the display unit, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative view of the computing apparatus ofFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first alternative view of the computing apparatusof FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative view of the computing apparatus ofFIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view from the recording device of FIG. 4, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a video image, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative video image to the video image of FIG.6, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second alternative view of the computing apparatusof FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by thecomputing apparatus of FIGS. 1-8 for generating a video, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a computer apparatus used for generating images fromvideo data, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a computing apparatus 2 comprising a (movable)display unit 12 and a recording device 18 attached to display unit 12,in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Computingapparatus 2 additionally comprises input devices 8 and 10, a baseassembly 6, and a hinge assembly 25. Although computing apparatus 2 inFIG. 1 is illustrated as a laptop or notebook computer comprising anintegrated display unit 12 and input devices 8 and 10, note thatcomputing apparatus 2 could comprise any type of computer including,inter alia, a computer with a separate display and separate inputdevices (e.g., a desktop computer), etc. Recording device 18 is attachedto a back side of display unit 12 (i.e., a side opposite to a displayside of display unit). Recording device 18 may comprise any type ofvideo recording device including, inter alia, a video camera, etc.Display unit 12 may comprise any type of computer monitor including,inter alia, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, a cathode ray tube(CRT) monitor, etc. Display unit 12 may comprise a single displaymonitor or a plurality of display monitors. Alternatively, display unit12 may comprise a display monitor integrated with a clear lens assembly(e.g., glass, plastic, etc). Display unit 12 is configured to lift awayfrom the base assembly 6 on hinge assembly 25. Hinge assembly 25 maycomprise a cantilevered hinge assembly (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2)or side brackets. Hinge assembly 25 allows a user to position displayunit 12 such that there is clearance is available between display unit12 and base assembly 6 for a user to reach under display unit 12 fortyping (i.e., using input device 8) and mouse control (i.e., using inputdevice 10) on the keyboard. Although input devices 8 and 10 in FIG. 1are illustrated respectively as a keyboard and a mouse, note that anytype of input device may be used in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. For example, input devices 8 and 10 may comprise ajoystick assembly, a keypad, a video game controller, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative view of computing apparatus 2 of FIG.1, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Duringoperation of computing apparatus 2, display unit 12 may be pivoted allthe way down over input devices 8 and 10 so that display unit 12provides optimal visibility for a user. Display unit 12 may be rotatedfrom 90 degrees to parallel with a plane of base unit 6. The variousviewing angles for display 12 provide a different aspect ratio forviewing various documents or information that has an aspect ratio wherethe height exceeds the width. Due to the various viewing angles fordisplay 12, a view of a user's hands 22 may become obstructed.Therefore, recording device 18 is attached to a backside of display unit12 and may be rotated around so that it points away from the user anddown towards the input devices 8 and 10 (and user's hands 22) underdisplay unit 12. A lens on recording device 18 may be adjusted forwide-angle view (e.g., software keystone adjustments may remove apparentdistortion). A video 11 comprising video image 8 a of input device 8,video image 10 a of input device 10, and video image 22 a of user'shands activating input devices 8 and 10 may be displayed via a videowindow on display unit 12. Display unit 12 may display video 11 in afirst portion 12 b of display unit 12 (e.g., a first window) and displaycomputer software in use (e.g., a word processing software application)in a second portion 12 a of display unit 12 (e.g., a second window). Thefirst portion 12 b and second portion 12 a may be displayed anywhere andin any size on display unit 12. As a first alternative (i.e., in a casewhere display unit 12 comprises multiple display monitors), firstportion 12 b may be comprised by a first display monitor of display unit12 and second portion 12 a may be comprised by a second display monitorof display unit 12. In this scenario, display unit 12 (i.e., comprisingfirst and second individual monitors) may display video 11 in the firstmonitor and display computer software in use (e.g., a word processingsoftware application) in the second monitor of display unit 12. As asecond alternative (i.e., in a case where display unit 12 comprises adisplay monitor integrated with a clear lens assembly), first portion 12b may be comprised by the clear lens assembly and second portion 12 amay be comprised by a display monitor of display unit 12. In thisscenario, display unit 12 (i.e., comprising a monitor integrated with alens assembly) allows a user to view his/her hands 22 activating inputdevices 8 and 10 through the clear lens assembly and display computersoftware in use (e.g., a word processing software application) via themonitor of display unit 12.

Computing apparatus 2 comprises a software application allowing for thefollowing functionality associated with generating and displaying video11:

-   1. The software application processes an image (i.e., of the user's    hands 22 activating input devices 8 and 10) retrieved from recording    device 18 in order to normalize the image to be rectangular (i.e., a    keystone correction process).-   2. The software application displays a base image of input devices 8    and 10 without the user's hands 22. The base image may be called up    from a library of bitmaps (e.g., stored within or external to    computing apparatus 2) for different laptop models. Alternatively,    the base image may be constructed during a software setup by    capturing an image of input devices 8 and 10 without hands 22 and    normalizing the image.-   3. The software application automatically adjusts a brightness and    contrast of (live) video 11 so as to increase visual salience hands    22 and diminish a visual salience of input devices 8 and 10.    Additionally, an infrared filter may be used. After an adjustment of    the brightness and contrast of (live) video 11, only video image 22    a of user's hands is displayed without video images 8 a and 10 a.-   4. The software application super-imposes a live image 22 a of hands    22 in a semi-transparent mode on top of images 8 a and 10 a so that    the keys (or any other device on input devices 8 or 10) behind the    fingers on hands 22 will faintly show through image 22 a. For    example, video 11 may comprise a ghost image of hands 22 hovering    over a keyboard (i.e., input device 8).-   5. The software application may generate a window for video 11 that    may share a desktop space with an application (e.g., a word    processing application) that is receiving keystrokes (e.g.,    positioned above a word processing window). Alternatively, the    window for video 11 may be positioned to be always on top of the    application and placed by the user away from an area where he/she is    typing into the application that is receiving the keystrokes.-   6. The software application may allow the window for video 11 to be    shrunk down to an arbitrary size, thereby allowing a user to leave    most of the primary application (e.g., a word processing    application) unobscured. Additionally, the software application    allows novice typists a larger video image to view while they “hunt    and peck” for word.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first alternative view of computing apparatus 2 ofFIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Theview in FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of hinges 25.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative view of computing apparatus 2 of FIG.3, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The view inFIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of recording device 18.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view 18 a from recording device 18, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. View 18 a comprises a view ofhands 22 activating input devices 8 and 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of video 11, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Video 11 comprises a super-imposeda live image 22 a of hands 22 in a semi-transparent mode on top ofimages 8 a and 10 a so that the keys (or any other device on inputdevices 8 or 10) behind the fingers on hands 22 faintly show throughimage 22 a.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative video 11 a to video 11 of FIG. 6, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Video 11 aadditionally comprises highlights 28. Highlight 28 comprises a highlight28 a over a finger in image 22 a and a highlight over a key in image 8a. Highlight 28 may be used as a typing aid. Highlight 28 may be movedto any portion of images 8 a and 22 a.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second alternative view of computing apparatus 2 ofFIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Theview in FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of portion 12 b of displayunit 12 comprising text generated from a word processor.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart describing an algorithm used by computingapparatus 2 of FIGS. 1-8 for generating video 11, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In step 901, a computing apparatus(e.g., computing apparatus 2 of FIGS. 1-8) receives a video data streamfrom a video recording device (e.g., recording device 18 of FIGS. 1-8)attached to a backside of a video monitor (e.g., display unit 12 ofFIGS. 1-8) connected to the computing apparatus. The video data streamcomprises:

-   1. A first video image of an input device(s) (e.g., input devices 8    and 10 of FIGS. 1-8) electrically connected to the computing    apparatus.-   2. A second video image of a user's hands (e.g., hands 22 of FIGS.    1-8) enabling switches (e.g., keys on a keyboard) on the input    device(s).

In step 905, an input device image (e.g., image 8 a or 10 a of FIGS.1-8) associated with the input device(s) is generated. The input deviceimage may be generated by retrieving the input device image from astored library of images or by retrieving the input device image fromthe first video image. In step 908, the input device image generated instep 905 is displayed via the video monitor. The input device image mayillustrate various switches (e.g., keys on a keyboard, mouse pad buttonsbeing activated, etc) being enabled by a user. The input device imagemay be displayed within a specified portion of the video monitor (i.e.,not an entire portion of the video monitor). Alternatively (in a casewhere the video monitor comprises a plurality of display monitors), theinput device image may be displayed one of the video monitors. In step910, a hand image (e.g., image 22 a of FIGS. 1-8) associated with auser's hands (e.g., hands 22 of FIGS. 1-8) is generated. The hand imagemay be generated by retrieving the hand device image from a storedlibrary of hand images or by retrieving the hand image from the secondvideo image. In step 914, a super imposed image is generated by superimposing the hand image generated in step 910 over the input deviceimage generated in step 905. In step 918, the super imposed image isdisplayed via the video monitor. The super imposed image is displayedwithin a specified portion of the video monitor.

In steps 922 and 924, the superimposed image is modified in accordancewith a user request. In step 922, the superimposed image is modified byadjusting a brightness and contrast of the super imposed image such thatthe input device image is visible through the hand image. In step 924,the superimposed image is modified by removing either the hand image orthe input device image so that only one image is shown performingfunctions. In step 928, a software application (e.g., a word processorapplication) is enabled. In step 932, results from executing thesoftware application (e.g., text) are displayed in a separate window andstep 901 is repeated.

FIG. 10 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., computing apparatus 2of FIGS. 1-8) used for generating images from video data, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90comprises a processor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor91, an output device 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices94 and 95 each coupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be,inter alia, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, interalia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, aremovable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, anoptical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 9) for generatingimages from video data. The processor 91 executes the computer code 97.The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The input data 96 includesinput required by the computer code 97. The output device 93 displaysoutput from the computer code 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and95 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in FIG. 10) maycomprise the algorithm of FIG. 9 and may be used as a computer usablemedium (or a computer readable medium or a program storage device)having a computer readable program code embodied therein and/or havingother data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program codecomprises the computer code 97. Generally, a computer program product(or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90may comprise said computer usable medium (or said program storagedevice).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service provider who offers to for generate images from videodata. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying,creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integratingcomputing infrastructure, comprising integrating computer-readable codeinto the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination with thecomputer system 90 is capable of performing a method for generatingimages from video data. In another embodiment, the invention provides abusiness method that performs the process steps of the invention on asubscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a serviceprovider, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to perform aprocess for generating images from video data. In this case, the serviceprovider can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructurethat performs the process steps of the invention for one or morecustomers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from thecustomer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the serviceprovider can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to oneor more third parties.

While FIG. 10 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 10. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing apparatus from a videorecording device attached to a backside of a video monitor mechanicallyand electrically connected to said computing apparatus, a first videodata stream, wherein said first video data stream comprises a firstvideo image of an input device electrically connected to said computingapparatus and a second video image of a users hands enabling switches onsaid input device, wherein said video monitor is positioned over saidinput device such that said users hands are positioned between saidbackside of said video monitor and a topside of said input device, andwherein said users hands are obstructed from view by said video monitor;displaying, by said computing apparatus via said video monitor, an inputdevice image associated with said input device, wherein said inputdevice image illustrates various switches being enabled, wherein saidinput device image is displayed within a first independent portion ofsaid video monitor, and wherein said first independent portion does notinclude an entire portion of said video monitor; super-imposing, by saidcomputing apparatus, a hand image associated with said users hands oversaid input device image; displaying, by said computing apparatus viasaid first independent portion of said video monitor, said hand imageassociated with said users hands, wherein said hand image is displayedover said input device image, wherein said hand image is displayeddirectly above and over said users hands, and wherein said hand image isdisplayed within said first independent portion of said video monitor;adjusting, by said computing apparatus, a brightness of said hand imagesuch that said input device image is visible through said hand image,wherein said adjusting results in said hand image being placed in asemi-transparent mode such that images of said switches of said inputdevice image are faintly displayed through said hand image; removing, bysaid computing apparatus from said video monitor, said input deviceimage such that only said users hands are visible within said firstindependent portion of said video monitor; enabling, by said computingapparatus, a software application associated with said input device;displaying, by said computing apparatus via a second independent portionof said video monitor, characters generated by said software applicationin response to said users hands enabling said switches on said inputdevice, wherein said first independent portion differs from said secondindependent portion, wherein said first video data stream comprises athird video image of an additional independent input device electricallyconnected to said computing apparatus, wherein said video monitor ispositioned over said additional input device such that said users handsare additionally positioned between said backside of said video monitorand a topside of said additional input device; displaying, by saidcomputing apparatus via a third independent portion said video monitor,an additional input device image associated with said additional inputdevice, wherein said additional input device image illustrates a mousepad being enabled; and super-imposing, by said computing apparatus, saidhand image associated with said users hands over said additional inputdevice image, wherein said hand image is displayed over said additionalinput device image, wherein said additional input device image isvisible through said hand image, wherein portions of said additionalinput device image are faintly displayed through said hand image.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: before said displaying said inputdevice image, retrieving by said computing apparatus, said input deviceimage from said first video image.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid computing apparatus comprises a library of input device imagescomprising said input device image, and wherein said method furthercomprises: before said displaying said input device image, associatingby said computing apparatus, said first video image with said inputdevice image; and retrieving, by said computing apparatus in response tosaid associating, said input device image from said library of inputdevice images.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said associating saidfirst video image with said input device image is based on a modelnumber/brand of said computing apparatus.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: before said displaying said hand image, retrievingby said computing apparatus, said hand image from said second videoimage.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said computing apparatuscomprises a library of hand images comprising said hand image, andwherein said method further comprises: before said displaying said handimage, associating by said computing apparatus, said second video imagewith said hand image; and retrieving, by said computing apparatus inresponse to said associating, said hand image from said library of handimages.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing, by saidcomputing apparatus, said hand image from said video monitor.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said software application is a word processorsoftware application, and wherein said characters comprise text.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said input device comprises a device selectedfrom the group consisting of a keyboard/keypad assembly, a mouseassembly, and a joystick assembly.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid input device is comprised by said computing apparatus.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said video monitor is comprised by saidcomputing apparatus.
 12. A process for supporting computerinfrastructure, said process comprising providing at least one supportservice for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining,and deploying computer-readable code in a computing system, wherein thecode in combination with the computing apparatus is capable ofperforming the method of claim
 1. 13. A computing apparatus comprising aprocessor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unitcomprising instructions that when executed by the processor implementsan image generation method, said method comprising: receiving, by saidcomputing apparatus from a video recording device attached to a backsideof a video monitor mechanically and electrically connected to saidcomputing apparatus, a first video data stream, wherein said first videodata stream comprises a first video image of an input deviceelectrically connected to said computing apparatus and a second videoimage of a users hands enabling switches on said input device, whereinsaid video monitor is positioned over said input device such that saidusers hands are positioned between said backside of said video monitorand a topside of said input device, and wherein said users hands areobstructed from view by said video monitor; displaying, by saidcomputing apparatus via said video monitor, an input device imageassociated with said input device, wherein said input device imageillustrates various switches being enabled, wherein said input deviceimage is displayed within a first independent portion of said videomonitor, and wherein said first independent portion does not include anentire portion of said video monitor; super-imposing, by said computingapparatus, a hand image associated with said users hands over said inputdevice image; displaying, by said computing apparatus via said firstindependent portion of said video monitor, said hand image associatedwith said users hands, wherein said hand image is displayed over saidinput device image, wherein said hand image is displayed directly aboveand over said users hands, and wherein said hand image is displayedwithin said first independent portion of said video monitor; adjusting,by said computing apparatus, a brightness of said hand image such thatsaid input device image is visible through said hand image, wherein saidadjusting results in said hand image being placed in a semi-transparentmode such that images of said switches of said input device image arefaintly displayed through said hand image; removing, by said computingapparatus from said video monitor, said input device image such thatonly said users hands are visible within said first independent portionof said video monitor; enabling, by said computing apparatus, a softwareapplication associated with said input device; displaying, by saidcomputing apparatus via a second independent portion of said videomonitor, characters generated by said software application in responseto said users hands enabling said switches on said input device, whereinsaid first independent portion differs from said second independentportion, wherein said first video data stream comprises a third videoimage of an additional independent input device electrically connectedto said computing apparatus, wherein said video monitor is positionedover said additional input device such that said users hands areadditionally positioned between said backside of said video monitor anda topside of said additional input device; displaying, by said computingapparatus via a third independent portion said video monitor, anadditional input device image associated with said additional inputdevice, wherein said additional input device image illustrates a mousepad being enabled; and super-imposing, by said computing apparatus, saidhand image associated with said users hands over said additional inputdevice image, wherein said hand image is displayed over said additionalinput device image, wherein said additional input device image isvisible through said hand image, wherein portions of said additionalinput device image are faintly displayed through said hand image. 14.The computing apparatus of claim 13, wherein said method furthercomprises: before said displaying said input device image, retrieving bysaid computing apparatus, said input device image from said first videoimage.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said video monitor isconnected to said computing apparatus using a cantilevered hinge. 16.The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating, by said computingapparatus a highlighted portion of said hand image and a highlightedportion of said input device; and displaying, by said computingapparatus via said video monitor, said highlighted portion of said handimage and said highlighted portion of said input device.
 17. The methodof claim 1, wherein said video monitor comprises a first display deviceand a second display device independent from said first display device,and wherein said method further comprises: displaying, by said computingapparatus via a second display device, said hand image over said inputdevice image.
 18. A computer program product, comprising a computerreadable storage medium having a computer readable program code embodiedtherein, said computer readable program code comprising an algorithmthat when executed by a computer processor of a computing systemimplements an image generation method comprising: receiving, by saidcomputing apparatus from a video recording device attached to a backsideof a video monitor mechanically and electrically connected to saidcomputing apparatus, a first video data stream, wherein said first videodata stream comprises a first video image of an input deviceelectrically connected to said computing apparatus and a second videoimage of a users hands enabling switches on said input device, whereinsaid video monitor is positioned over said input device such that saidusers hands are positioned between said backside of said video monitorand a topside of said input device, and wherein said users hands areobstructed from view by said video monitor; displaying, by saidcomputing apparatus via said video monitor, an input device imageassociated with said input device, wherein said input device imageillustrates various switches being enabled, wherein said input deviceimage is displayed within a first independent portion of said videomonitor, and wherein said first independent portion does not include anentire portion of said video monitor; super-imposing, by said computingapparatus, a hand image associated with said users hands over said inputdevice image; displaying, by said computing apparatus via said firstindependent portion of said video monitor, said hand image associatedwith said users hands, wherein said hand image is displayed over saidinput device image, wherein said hand image is displayed directly aboveand over said users hands, and wherein said hand image is displayedwithin said first independent portion of said video monitor; adjusting,by said computing apparatus, a brightness of said hand image such thatsaid input device image is visible through said hand image, wherein saidadjusting results in said hand image being placed in a semi-transparentmode such that images of said switches of said input device image arefaintly displayed through said hand image; removing, by said computingapparatus from said video monitor, said input device image such thatonly said users hands are visible within said first independent portionof said video monitor; enabling, by said computing apparatus, a softwareapplication associated with said input device; displaying, by saidcomputing apparatus via a second independent portion of said videomonitor, characters generated by said software application in responseto said users hands enabling said switches on said input device, whereinsaid first independent portion differs from said second independentportion, wherein said first video data stream comprises a third videoimage of an additional independent input device electrically connectedto said computing apparatus, wherein said video monitor is positionedover said additional input device such that said users hands areadditionally positioned between said backside of said video monitor anda topside of said additional input device; displaying, by said computingapparatus via a third independent portion said video monitor, anadditional input device image associated with said additional inputdevice, wherein said additional input device image illustrates a mousepad being enabled; and super-imposing, by said computing apparatus, saidhand image associated with said users hands over said additional inputdevice image, wherein said hand image is displayed over said additionalinput device image, wherein said additional input device image isvisible through said hand image, wherein portions of said additionalinput device image are faintly displayed through said hand image.